Method of creating individually customized videos

ABSTRACT

A system for simultaneously creating a plurality of individually customized video product from a plurality of video segments uses a central computer and one or more workstations to control the operation of a video file server and video recorders connected thereto. The video file server is adapted to simultaneously output the same or different stored video segments on a plurality of video output channels. Each channel is connected to a respective video recorder. An operator at the workstation enters selection choices into a workstation. The central computer uses the selection choices to select and order a subset of video segments prestored on the video file server. Each selected video segment is directly related to a selection choice. Under control of the central computer, the selected and ordered subset of video segments are output from the video file server to a designated video recorder to make the customized video product. The central computer simultaneously controls the state of the video recorders in coordination with the video file server.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.08/644,471 filed on May 10, 1996, U.S. Pat. No. 5,740,388 entitled"SYSTEM FOR CREATING INDIVIDUALLY CUSTOMIZED VIDEO PRODUCT."

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a system for creating videoproducts on storage media, and, more particularly to a system forcreating a customized video product based on a user's selectioncriteria.

Systems for broadcasting individually customized video presentations arewell-known in the prior art. Such systems are often referred to as"video on demand" or VOD. Typically, these systems provide a headendunit, such as a video file server, which contains a plurality ofprestored video programs or video information. A user requests one ormore programs and the headend unit delivers the programs over acommunication medium for live viewing by the user on a television screenor display monitor. No provision is made to permanently capture thevideo programs. While a user could connect a video recorder to theincoming video signal to capture the video programs, taping functions(e.g., operation of the video recorder) must be controlled by the user,independent of the incoming video signal.

In the prior art, it is also known to assemble and edit selected videosegments to create a customized video product. Typically, this processrequires manually loading and unloading videotapes from machines,selecting the desired segments, and recording them onto a master tape.Copies of the master tape are then made for customers. Typical videoediting and assembling equipment is complicated and must be run by askilled operator.

Despite the large amount of video processing equipment available today,there is still a need for video processing equipment which can generatean individually customized video product from a store of video segmentsin a fast, user-friendly and inexpensive manner, which can select andorder video segments from user-entered information, and which is underprogram control by a computer which coordinates both the selection ofvideo segments and the operation of one or more video recorders used formaking the video product. The present invention fills these needs.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a method of simultaneously creating aplurality of individually customized video products from a plurality ofvideo segments prestored on a video file server. The video file serveris adapted to simultaneously output the same or different stored videosegments on a plurality of video output channels. The channels areconnected to a plurality of respective video recorders which receivevideo segments therefrom and make a recording of the received segmentson a portable storage medium inserted therein. The recorded portablestorage medium becomes the individually customized video product. In themethod, a user is prompted on a computer workstation display to enterinto the workstation information, including selection choices. Theentered information, including the selection choices, is communicated toa central computer which is in communication with the video file serverand the plurality of video recorders. The central computer selects andorders a subset of video segments stored on the video file servercorresponding to the entered selection choices. Each selected videosegment is directly related to the entered information. The centralcomputer further controls the video file server to output the selectedand ordered subset to one or more of the video recorders for recordingthereon, while simultaneously using the central computer to control thestate of the video recorders in coordination with the video file server.

Another embodiment of the invention provides a method of simultaneouslycreating a plurality of individually customized video products from aplurality of video segments prestored on a video file server. The videofile server is adapted to simultaneously output the same or differentstored video segments on a plurality of video output channels inresponse to information received from a central computer. The channelsare connected to a plurality of respective video recorders which receivevideo segments therefrom and make a recording of the received segmentson a portable storage medium inserted therein. The recorded portablestorage medium becomes the individually customized video product. In themethod, information signals are sent from the central computer to thevideo file server via a first communication path to cause the video fileserver to output selected video segments on a particular video outputchannel. The selected video segments are received by one of theplurality of video recorders. The central computer simultaneously sendssignals from the central computer to the plurality of video recordersvia a second communication path to control the state of the videorecorders in coordination with the video file server. The first andsecond communication paths are separate from each other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofpreferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood whenread in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose ofillustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodimentswhich are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, thatthe invention is not limited to the precise arrangements andinstrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a system level schematic diagram of a customized videocreation system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 2A-2G, taken together, are an operational flow diagram of theprogram for controlling the system of FIG. 1 in accordance with a firstembodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 2H and 2I, taken together, are an operational flow diagram of theprogram for controlling the system of FIG. 1 in accordance with a secondembodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 2J and 2K, taken together, are an operational flow diagram of theprogram for controlling the system of FIG. 1 in accordance with a thirdembodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 3-9 are screen displays associated with the flow diagram of FIGS.2A-2G;

FIGS. 10, 11, 12A and 12B are screen displays associated with the flowdiagram of FIGS. 2H and 2I; and

FIGS. 13 and 14 are screen displays associated with the flow diagram ofFIGS. 2J and 2K.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to betaken as a limitation on the present invention. The word "video" meansboth visual and audio data. In some instances, "video" may contain onlyvisual data (i.e., no sound) or only audio data (i.e., no picture). Inthe drawings, the same reference numerals are used for designating thesame elements throughout the several figures.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of a system 10for creating individually customized videos in accordance with thepresent invention. The system 10 has a central computer in the form of aLAN network server 12, and a video file server 14. The LAN networkserver 12 and video file server 14 are bidirectionally linked. The videofile server 14 is preloaded with a plurality of randomly accessiblevideo segments. The LAN network server 12 contains a network operatingsystem 15, such as WINDOWS NT, and one or more application programs 16for controlling the creation of the customized videos (i.e., forselecting and ordering a subset of video segments stored on the videofile server 14). The LAN network server 12 is also bidirectionallylinked to one or more PC workstations 18 in a star topography manner forallowing an operator at a workstation 18 to interface with theapplication program 16 and make selections which determine the desiredsubset of video segments. The workstation 18 may be physically locatedat the same location as the video file server 14 and LAN network sever12, or the workstation 18 may be connected with the video file server 14and/or the LAN network server 12 from a remote location. The remotecommunication link may be accomplished using appropriate hardware andsoftware, such as is found with typical Internet or Intranetconnections. Each workstation 18 is equipped with input means such as akeyboard, mouse, and/or touch screen, for facilitating operatorinteraction. Once the subset of video segments are selected and ordered,the system 10 outputs the ordered subset of video segments from thevideo file server 14 to a selected video recorder 20 for creating avideo product on a portable video storage medium 21 inserted in thevideo recorder 20. In FIG. 1, the video recorder 20 is a video taperecorder and the video storage medium 21 is a videotape. However, othertypes of video recorders 20 are within the scope of the invention,including DVD recorders and CD-ROM drives, which make video products onother video storage media, such as CD-ROMs, DVDs, memory chips, or thelike. Each video recorder 20 is under program control by the applicationprogram 16 through a respective video computer interface 22. In theembodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1, there are multiple pairs ofvideo recorders 20₁, 20₂, 20₃, . . . 20_(n) 4, and corresponding videocomputer interfaces 22₁, 22₂, 22₃, . . . 22_(n). One video computerinterface 22₁ is connected to the LAN network server 12 via an RS-232serial bus, and each of the remaining video computer interfaces 22₂,22₃, . . . 22_(n) are connected to the video computer interface 22₁ viaRS-232 serial lines in a daisy chain arrangement. The video computerinterfaces 22₁, 22₂, 22₃, . . . 22_(n) can be queried by the LAN networkserver 12 regarding the status of the respectively attached videorecorder 20. Each video recorder 20 may optionally be connected to arespective video monitor 24, such as an NTSC Monitor/Audio Monitor, forviewing the video product either during or after its creation. Inaddition, the system 10 includes one or more printing devices 26connected to the LAN network server 12 for outputting printed materialrelated to the video product, based on information entered by theoperator into the workstation 18. One such printing device 26 is aletter printer 28 for generating a customized letter to the customer ofthe video product for delivery with the video product. Another printingdevice 26 is a label printer 30 for generating a label for attachment tothe video product and a mailing label. The system 10 also includes anoptical character reader (OCR) device 32 for processing standardizedtest forms. The purpose of the OCR device 32 is described below withrespect to the second embodiment of the invention. The OCR device 32 isnot part of the first or third embodiment of the invention.

In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the system 10 isconstructed using the following hardware and software:

    ______________________________________                                        LAN network server 12                                                                         Compaq Prosignia 500                                          LAN network server 12                                                                         WINDOWS NT video file server 14 -                             operating system 15                                                                           MicropΩlis (Micropolis) AV Server                                       Model AV50, AV100 or 200                                      PC workstation 18                                                                             Compaq Prolinea E                                             Video recorder 20                                                                             Panasonic Model AG-1980                                       Video computer interface 22                                                                   Panasonic Model AG-VC205                                      ______________________________________                                    

The Micropolis AV Server is equipped with a RAIDION VOD RAID array(including video disk modules and a Gandiva™ VOD subassembly), videodecoder board assembly including MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 decoder modules, and aModel PCX486 computer. The AV Server is a video storage and playbackengine which can deliver video to simultaneous users with full randomaccess capabilities. The Micropolis AV Server is available fromMicropolis, Chatsworth, Calif. Video file servers from othermanufacturers may also be used.

The application program 16 housed in the LAN network server 12 performsat least the following functions:

(1) creates and displays menus and menu choices on a workstation 18 forprompting a user to enter information, and receives menu selections fromthe workstation 18;

(2) selects and orders video segments based on the user-enteredinformation;

(3) prompts the user to insert a video storage medium 21 of anappropriate running time into a selected video recorder 20;

(4) sends commands to the video file server 14 to deliver the selectedvideo segments to a selected video recorder 20, while simultaneouslysending control commands to a video computer interface 22 associatedwith the respective video recorder 20 for controlling the operation ofthe video recorder 20; and

(5) controls the creation of letters and labels and other printededucational material output from the printing devices 26 based, in part,on information received at the workstation 18.

The system 10 is used to create an individually customized video productfrom information entered into the workstation 18 and from video segmentsstored in the video file server 14, all under program control by acentral computer (e.g., LAN network server 12) which is preferablyindependent from the video file server 14. One advantage of theconfiguration shown in FIG. 1 is that a prior art video file server 14,such as the Micropolis AV Server, may be plugged "unmodified" into theremaining components. However, it is within the scope of the inventionto incorporate the functions of the LAN network server 12 into the videofile server 14. In this alternative configuration, the workstations 18and video computer interfaces 22 would be connected directly to thevideo file server 14 and the video file server 14 would be modified inminor ways to coordinate all data processing functions. Likewise, it iswithin the scope of the invention to incorporate the functions of theworkstation 18 directly into the computer of the LAN network server 12.

The information entered into the workstation 18 which is used to selectan ordered subset of video segments may constitute any information thatis usable to determine the subset of video segments. Thus, the presentinvention has wide applications to virtually any field. As used herein,"information" includes at least two components, "selection choices" and"demographic data". "Selection choices" designate one choice from asubset of preprogrammed choices. The selection choices are used todetermine which video segments must be assembled to create the videoproduct. Demographic data is used by the system 10 to generate lettersand mailing labels, and to maintain a database of information regardingusers of the system 10. Typically, demographic data comprises the nameand address of the video product customer.

Three examples of applications for the system 10 are provided below.However, these examples are not intended to limit the scope of theinvention. To the contrary, the scope of the invention includes otherapplications wherein entered information is used to select an orderedsequence of video segments for creation of an individually customizedvideo product. In a first embodiment of the invention, the system 10creates a video product to be viewed by a patient before the patientundergoes a medical procedure. In a second embodiment of the invention,the system 10 creates a video product from the results of a standardizedtest so that a test taker may review the answers to the questions whichwere not answered correctly. In a third embodiment of the invention, thesystem 10 creates a video product from inquiries regarding real estatecriteria to assist a househunter in locating a suitable property. Theoverall process for creating a customized video product is similar forall embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, some of the menusappearing on the workstation 18 are similar in all embodiments, whereasother menus are particular to one embodiment of the invention.

Referring to the first embodiment of the invention, a user at theworkstation 18 enters information about the procedure, the doctor(s) whowill be performing the procedure, the hospital where the procedure willbe performed, and demographic information about the patient (e.g., name,address and the like). The entered information is used to select andassemble an ordered subset of video segments customized for thepatient's needs.

The first preferred embodiment of the invention is described using anoperational flow diagram of the application program 16 and samplescreens which appear on the workstation 18 under program control by theapplication program 16. The flow diagram is shown in FIGS. 2A-2G andsample screens are shown in FIGS. 6-9. In the disclosed example, thevideo recorders 20₁, 20₂, 20₃, . . . 20_(n), are video tape recorders(VTRs), each of which accepts a VHS tape.

Referring to FIGS. 2A-2E and 3-8, the program 16 displays an initialmenu screen on the workstation 18 (step 100), as shown in FIG. 3. A userselects "Medical Video" (step 102 ) and a Patient Registration menuscreen appears (step 104 ), as shown in FIG. 4. The user fills in thepatient variable fields, including the patient's name, address and phonenumber (steps 106-112 ). After all fields are filled in, the user exitsthe registration screen (step 114). Next, a Custom Program screenappears (step 116), as shown in FIG. 5. The user fills in the customprogram fields, including a physician introduction and closing, ahospital, a medical procedure and other segments, if any, by scrollingthrough selections appearing in the respective fields (steps 118-124).As selections are made, a Play List is built (step 120). The physicianintroduction and closing identifies short prestored video segmentspresented by an individual physician or physicians who will beresponsible for the medical procedure. Typically, the same physician isselected for both the opening or closing, although different physiciansmay also be selected. The hospital field identifies a prestored videosegment which provides a general orientation to the patient about thehospital where the procedure is to be performed. This segment mayinclude video about the layout and operations of the hospital, as wellas general admittance and discharge information. The physicianintroduction and closing, and the hospital segments provide generalinformation to the patient. In contrast, the procedure field identifiesa video segment particular to the patient's medical procedure. Othervideo segments, if any, are selected in the Other Segment field. Afterthe Custom Program screen is filled in with the desired selections, theuser exits the screen (step 126). Next, a Program Summary screen appears(step 128), as shown in FIG. 6, for verifying the selections made by theCustom Program screen. Also, the program 16 calculates the total lengthof the video presentation and displays it on this screen. For example,if the physician introduction and closing segments are 2.0 minutes each,the hospital orientation segment is 5.0 minutes, and the medicalprocedure segment is 6.5 minutes, the total program length will be 15.5minutes. The user verifies that the information in the Program Summaryscreen is accurate (130). If any information is not correct or needs tobe changed, the user selects "Incorrect", the Specify Program screenreappears, and the process returns to step 116 (step 132). If theinformation is correct, the user selects "Correct" (step 134). Next, aSelect VTR screen appears (step 136), as shown in FIG. 7. The userselects one or more of the video recorders (steps 138-144) and isprompted to load selected VTR(s) with a blank tape. More than one VTRmay be selected if multiple copies of the same video product are needed.The blank tape should have a length or running time at least equal tothe program length displayed on the Program Summary screen. Eachselected VTR is added to a Play List Output (step 140). After the VTRsare selected, a Select Printing Screen appears (step 146), as shown inFIG. 8. The user enters a desired quantity of a VHS label, mailinglabel, letter to patient (with questionnaire), and file copy for thesystem administrator, to be produced by the printing devices 26 (step148). The printed materials are customized for the patient and videoproduct based on previously input information. If multiple copies of VHStapes are made, a label would typically be requested for each tape.However, the user may only need one mailing label and one letter for theregistered patient. After the quantities are entered, the printingrequests are sent to a print queue (step 152).

Referring next to FIGS. 2F, 2G and 9, the video product is generated(step 154). The program 16 sends a command signal to the selected VTR(s)to rewind the tape in each selected VTR (step 156) and to place theselected VTR(s) in the Record mode (step 158). Once all of the selectedVTRs are in the Record mode, the program 16 directs the video fileserver 14 to run the Play List (step 160) generated in step 120 and tooutput the video directly to the VTRs. The program 16 sequences thevideo segments before directing the video file server 14 to run the PlayList so that the introduction, orientation, medical procedure portionand closing appear in the proper order. The video output signal from thevideo file server 14 is sent to the VTR(s) selected in steps 138-144.All VTRs which are selected and running (i.e., loaded with a tape and inRecord mode) make a video product using the video output signal. Thevideo segments are output from the video file server 14 in a continuousmanner with substantially no time delay between adjacent video segments.To present a smooth flowing presentation, the start of each videosegment preferably includes a fade-up and the end of each segmentpreferably includes a dip to black. After the Play List is completed, aPlay List completion signal is received from the video file server 14(step 161). The program 16 stops and rewinds the VTR(s) (steps 162,164). The program 16 may optionally eject the tape after rewinding.While steps 156-164 are being performed, the print queue is released andthe letter printer 28 and label printer 30 print the documents selectedby the Printing Screen (steps 166, 168). The program 16 can monitor thestatus of the VTR(s) through the video computer interfaces 21 whichprovide VTR status information in response to a query.

In one embodiment of the invention, the tape label includes thepatient's name, address, physician name, hospital, medical procedure andtotal running time. It may also include the operator who made the tape,the date that the tape was made, and the tape machine number. Themailing label includes the patient's name and address. If the mailinglabel is produced directly on a courier label (e.g., Federal Express),it will also have a phone number. The letter includes the patient'sname, address, a copyright warning, a questionnaire, instructions forresponding to the questionnaire, and a return address envelope. Theletter may also remind the patient of related matters, such as admissiondates. All of the variables used to customize the letters and labels areretrieved from the database which stores the user-entered information.

After printing and video production is completed, a ProductionVerification Screen is displayed (step 170), as shown in FIG. 9. Ifthere is an error in the document printing, the user returns to theSelect Printing screen (step 172) and repeats the subsequent steps. Ifthere is an error in the operation of the VTRs which caused one or moreof the VCRs to fail to record properly, the user returns to the SelectVTR screen (step 174) and repeats the subsequent steps. If there is anerror in the content of the video product (i.e., if the proper programwas not recorded), the user returns to the Specify Program screen (step176) and repeats the subsequent steps. If the video production andprinting is error-free, the user returns to the Initial Menu screen(step 178).

After completion of a production run, the label is placed on the VHStape and the tape and corresponding letter are mailed to the patient.

The menu choices and selection screens shown in FIGS. 3-9 may be createdby any suitable software program. Preferred software programs areMicrosoft Developer Studio and Visual C++ 4.0 (incorporated intoDeveloper Studio). The database requirements of the program may be metby Microsoft's Access 2.0, or any other suitable database software.

The resultant video product generated by the first embodiment of theinvention is particularly useful for educating a patient about his orher upcoming medical procedure before admission. Studies have shown thatpre-surgery educational program significantly reduce patient anxiety,improve outcomes and reduce the length of hospital stays. The videoproduct can be an ideal part of such a program.

A second embodiment of the invention creates a video product from theresults of a standardized test (e.g., multiple choice test) so that atest taker may review the questions which were not answered correctly.The review takes the form of a sequence of video segments explaining thecorrect answers to the wrongly answered questions, and optionally,explaining why the other answers are incorrect. The sequence of videosegments may be used as a lesson plan to improve performance onsubsequent tests.

Referring to FIGS. 2H, 2I, 3, 10 and 11, the program 16 displays theinitial menu screen of FIG. 3 on the workstation 18 (step 200). A userselects "Academic Tutor" (step 200) and a Test Type menu screen appears(step 202), as shown in FIG. 10. The user selects either amanually-graded test, OCR graded test, or a custom selection of testquestions from a video library (step 202). Next, a Student Registrationmenu screen appears (step 204), as shown in FIG. 11. The StudentRegistration screen is similar to the Patient Registration of FIG. 4,except that there is an extra menu choice for the test version. The userfills in the fields, including the student's name, address and phonenumber and selects the test version (steps 206-212). After all fieldsare filled in, the user exits the registration screen (step 214). Next,a Custom Program screen appears (step 216), as shown in either FIGS. 12Aor 12 B. FIG. 12A appears if the user selected a manually-graded test instep 202. FIG. 12B appears if a user selected an OCR graded test in step202. A specialized screen (not shown) appears if the user selected acustom selection of test questions in step 202. The user fills in thecustom program fields, including the Introduction Version and ClosingVersion by scrolling through selections appearing in the respectivefields (steps 218-224). As selections are made, a Play List is built(step 220). The introduction and closing identifies short prestoredvideo segments of pre-test preparation and strategies, and generalizedstrategies for test-taking. The user also selects the test questionsthat were erroneously answered (FIG. 12A only). If the user selected anOCR graded test in step 202, the user is prompted to feed the answersheet into the OCR device 32 shown in FIG. 1. The OCR device 32 outputsinformation regarding which test questions were answered correctly andincorrectly. The program 16 uses this information in place of the "testquestions in error" manually entered from the FIG. 12A screen whenbuilding the Play List.

Each test question for the selected test version is associated with avideo segment that explains the correct answers to the wrongly answeredquestions, and optionally, explains why the other answers are incorrect.After the Custom Program screen is filled in with the desiredselections, the user exits the screen (step 226). The program 16 thencontinues in generally the same manner as described in the firstembodiment of the invention. A Program Summary Screen similar to FIG. 6appears and the user verifies that the Introduction Version, ClosingVersion and test questions in error were properly selected. Next, theuser fills out a Select VTR screen similar to FIG. 7 and performs therelated steps shown in FIG. 2D. Next, the user fills out a SelectPrinting Screen similar to FIG. 8, and performs the related steps shownin FIG. 2E. Next, the Video Product Generation Program is run, and thesteps of FIG. 2F are performed. The program 16 sequences the videosegments before directing the video file server 14 to run the Play Listso that the introduction, test question presentation portion and closingappear in the proper order. After the steps of FIG. 2F are performed, aProduction Verification Screen similar to FIG. 9 appears, and the stepsof FIG. 2G are performed (the NO decision output of step 176 leading tostep 216, not step 116).

After completion of a production run, the label is placed on the VHStape and the tape and corresponding letter are mailed to the patient, inthe same manner as in the first embodiment.

A third embodiment of the invention creates a video product frominquiries regarding real estate criteria to assist a househunter inlocating a suitable property. The video product allows a user to view aplurality of properties which meet particular criteria on a single videostorage medium 21, such as a VHS tape.

Referring to FIGS. 2J, 2K, 3, 13 and 14, the program 16 displays theinitial menu screen of FIG. 3 on the workstation 18 (step 300). A userselects "Real Estate Match Finder" (step 300). Next, a clientregistration screen appears (step 302), which is similar to the screenshown in FIG. 4 except that "Patient Registration" reads "ClientRegistration". The user fills in the fields, including the client'sname, address and phone number (steps 304-308). After all fields arefilled in, the user exits the registration screen (step 312). Next, aSelect Metropolitan Area screen appears (step 314), as shown in FIG. 13,and the user selects a metropolitan area. Next, a Select Property Typeand Price Range screen appears (step 316), as shown in FIG. 14. The userselects the appropriate type and price of property. Next, all propertiesthat match the selected metropolitan area, type and price range arelocated from a prestored database of properties. The database ofproperties is preferably stored in the computer of the LAN networkserver 12, and a video segment of each property is stored in the videofile server 14. Next, a Play List is created from the matchingproperties. The program 16 then continues in generally the same manneras described in the first and second embodiments of the invention. Forbrevity, the remaining steps are not repeated.

While the applications of the present invention are too numerous tolist, some other applications include creating a video product ofrecipes from a selection of recipe choices, or creating a corporatetraining video product which includes general video segments (e.g.,orientation, message from the CEO) and customized video segments(location, division and product line information for a particular newemployee).

In all embodiments of the invention, video segments are loaded into thevideo file server 14 in the same manner as is known in the prior art forsuch devices. Video segments are typically stored in the video fileserver 14 in digitized and compressed form. The program 16 accessesvideo segments using the same identification scheme that is used byprior art video file servers 14, such as the Micropolis AV Serversdescribed above. Accordingly, video segments may be given DOS file nameswith readily identifiable alphabetic characters.

The above-described invention allows customized videos to beinexpensively, quickly and easily created by unskilled operators. Thepresent invention significantly expands the potential market forcustomized video products to include many new applications andspecialized areas.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could bemade to the embodiments described above without departing from the broadinventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that thisinvention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but itis intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of thepresent invention as defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of simultaneously creating a pluralityof individually customized video products from a plurality of videosegments prestored on a video file server, the video file server adaptedto simultaneously output the same or different stored video segments ona plurality of video output channels, the channels being connected to aplurality of respective video recorders which receive video segmentstherefrom and make a recording of the received segments on a portablestorage medium inserted therein, the recorded portable storage mediumbeing an individually customized video product, the method comprisingthe steps of:(a) prompting a user on a computer workstation display toenter into the workstation information, including selection choices; (b)communicating the entered information, including the selection choices,to a central computer, the central computer being in communication withthe video file server and the plurality of video recorders; (c) usingthe central computer to select and order a subset of video segmentsstored on the video file server corresponding to the entered selectionchoices, each selected video segment being directly related to theentered information; and (d) using the central computer to control thevideo file server to output the selected and ordered subset to one ormore of the video recorders for recording thereon, while simultaneouslyusing the central computer to control the state of the video recordersin coordination with the video file server.
 2. A method according toclaim 1 wherein the selection choices include a medical procedure, andat least one of the video segments stored on the video file servercorresponds to the procedure.
 3. A method according to claim 2 whereinthe selection choices include a doctor who performs the procedure and ahospital which performs the procedure, at least one of the videosegments being a presentation by the doctor, and at least one of thevideo segments provides general orientation information about thehospital.
 4. A method according to claim 2 wherein step (a) includesprompting the user on the computer workstation display to enter into theworkstation demographic data about a patient undergoing the procedure,the method further comprising:(e) generating a mailing label from thedemographic data for shipping the video product.
 5. A method accordingto claim 2 wherein the selection choices include a doctor who performsthe procedure and a hospital which performs the procedure, wherein step(a) further comprises prompting the user on the computer workstationdisplay to enter into the workstation demographic data about a patientundergoing the procedure, the method further comprising:(e) generating apatient questionnaire from the information and demographic data fordelivery with the video product.
 6. A method according to claim 2wherein the selection choices include a doctor who performs theprocedure and a hospital which performs the procedure, wherein step (a)further comprises prompting the user on the computer workstation displayto enter into the workstation demographic data about a patientundergoing the procedure, the method further comprising:(e) generating aletter to, or printed material for, the patient from the information anddemographic data for delivery with the video product.
 7. A methodaccording to claim 1 wherein step (d) includes starting the videorecorder in a record mode, and stopping the video recorder after allselected segments are completed.
 8. A method according to claim 7wherein step (d) further includes, after stopping the video recorder,controlling the video recorder to rewind the portable storage medium. 9.A method according to claim 1 wherein the selection choices include testquestions which were answered incorrectly, and at least some of thevideo segments stored on the video file server correspond to individualtest questions.
 10. A method according to claim 9 wherein the selectionchoices include video segments regarding generalized test-taking andpreparation information.
 11. A method according to claim 1 furthercomprising the step of:(e) generating a label for the video product fromthe information.
 12. A method according to claim 1 wherein the portablestorage medium is a videotape.
 13. A method according to claim 1 furthercomprising, before step (d), prompting the user on the computerworkstation display to select on the workstation at least one of aplurality of video recorders, step (d) further including outputting theselected and ordered subset of video segments to the at least oneselected video recorder.
 14. A method according to claim 1 furthercomprising, before step (d), calculating from the selected segments thetotal running time of the video product and displaying the total runningtime on the workstation display to allow the user to select a portablestorage medium of an appropriate length for insertion into the videorecorder.
 15. A method according to claim 1 wherein step (d) includessending control commands to the video recorder while outputting theselected and ordered video segments.
 16. A method according to claim 1wherein the plurality of video segments are stored on the video fileserver in random access digital media, wherein step (d) is performed ina continuous manner with substantially no time delay between adjacentvideo segments.
 17. A method according to claim 1 wherein the selectionchoices include real property criteria, and at least some of the videosegments stored on the video file server correspond to individualproperties.
 18. A method according to claim 1 wherein the workstationcommunicates information to the video file server through a local areanetwork (LAN) configuration, and in step (d), the video segments areoutput to the video recorder using a communication link separate fromthe LAN configuration.
 19. A method according to claim 1 wherein the oneor more video recorders are video tape recorders or DVD recorders.
 20. Amethod according to claim 1 wherein the workstation is remotely locatedwith respect to the video file server and is in communication with thecentral computer and the video file server through Internet orIntranet-type communication links.
 21. A method of simultaneouslycreating a plurality of individually customized video products from aplurality of video segments prestored on a video file server, the videofile server adapted to simultaneously output the same or differentstored video segments on a plurality of video output channels inresponse to information received from a central computer, the channelsbeing connected to a plurality of respective video recorders whichreceive video segments therefrom and make a recording of the receivedsegments on a portable storage medium inserted therein, the recordedportable storage medium being an individually customized video product,the method comprising the steps of:(a) sending information signals fromthe central computer to the video file server via a first communicationpath to cause the video file server to output selected video segments ona particular video output channel, the selected video segments beingreceived by one of the plurality of video recorders; and (b)simultaneously sending signals from the central computer to theplurality of video recorders via a second communication path to controlthe state of the video recorders in coordination with the video fileserver, wherein the first and second communication paths are separatefrom each other.
 22. A method of simultaneously creating a plurality ofindividually customized video products from a plurality of videosegments prestored on a video file server, the video file server adaptedto simultaneously output the same or different stored video segments ona plurality of video output channels in response to information receivedfrom a central computer, the channels being connected to a plurality ofrespective video recorders which receive video segments therefrom andmake a recording of the received segments on a portable storage mediuminserted therein, the recorded portable storage medium being anindividually customized video product, the method comprising the stepsof:(a) a plurality of computer workstations for inputting information,the workstations being connected to the central computer via a firstcommunication path; (b) sending the information to the central computer,the central computer using the information to select video segments; (c)sending video segment selection signals from the central computer to thevideo file server to cause the video file server to output selectedvideo segments on a particular video output channel, the selected videosegments being received by one of the plurality of video recorders; and(d) simultaneously sending signals from the central computer to theplurality of video recorders via a second communication path to controlthe state of the video recorders in coordination with the video fileserver, wherein the first and second communication paths are separatefrom each other.
 23. A method according to claim 22 wherein the firstcommunication path is a local area network (LAN) configuration, and thesecond communication path is a communication link separate from the LANconfiguration.